The term "J-pop" refers to popular music originating in Japan. This type of music gained popularity in the U.S. mainly through anime and video game fan circles. You might know it through the kid in your high school with the weird colored hair who was always drawing explicit Dragon Ball Z pictures, involving tentacles and other unspeakable things. Though these people exist (in mass quantities), the entirety of J-pop's American fanbase is not comprised of such individuals. In fact, a large portion of Japanese popular music would be very accessible to mainstream western audiences, if they can get past the fact that not all of it is in English.To attempt to get more people hooked on the J-pop train, I have picked out five awesome songs by top Japanese pop and rock artists. For those of you who are new to the genre, try to throw out your previous misconceptions and give these songs a try. For those of you who are already into such things, dive into the list, and feel free to agree or disagree with my selections to your heart's content.1. Change the World - V6"I want to change the world". That's a bold statement for anyone, but when these words are sung (in English) by young Japanese male idols, dancing (fairly poorly), in a white sterile room, you know you've stumbled across a goldmine. There is something wonderfully endearing about the sheer levels of cheese in this video. Look wise, V6 resembles the traditional American "boy-band" of the 1990's, but with 2/3 more wholesomeness. The song, "CHANGE THE WORLD", is their 17th single, and was used as the opening of the first 33 episodes of the blockbuster anime InuYasha. "CHANGE THE WORLD" is undeniably catchy and charming, despite the cheese. V6 is not a band you listen to to up your cool factor, but rather a sort of guilty pleasure from the Far East.2. Simple And Clean - 宇多田ヒカルUtada Hikaru is a Japanese pop sensation, and one of the most successful musicians in the Japan. In fact, out of all the performers and songs to make this list, this one is the one that I estimate most people will recognize. While "Simple and Clean", might not have have made it to U.S. radio, it was fairly large in it's own right, thanks to being featured prominently in the video game mega-hit Kingdom Hearts. "Simple and Clean" sounds a lot like an American pop song. Part of this is because of Hikaru's origin- born in New York City, she sings the English lyrics of "Simple and Clean" fluidly and naturally, with no distinct accent. "Hikari" was the title of the original Japanese version of the song. "Simple and Clean", is the all-English version, recorded for the American video game audience.3. Believe - Folder 5Believe it or not, but Folder 5 was originally seven. The story as to how two of the members were dropped is one of my favorites, as it is an example of marketing at its most bizarre. Originally consisting of five female group members and two young males, the boys were dropped when they reached puberty and their voices and image no longer coincided with the group's marketing. Thus, the group previously known as Folder, became Folder 5. Folder 5's third single is Believe, an irrisistably catchy tune that urges its listeners to "Believe in wonderland." "Believe" was used as the second opening song to the pirate adventure anime One Piece. The song has yet to make its impact on American shores, however, as the American version of One Piece was infamously cut to include an embarrassing rap in place of the original opening songs.4. Rewrite - ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATIONChanging the world, believing in the existence of wonderland, and video games involving Disney characters are all well and good, but there will always be a human need for something with a bit more edge, or just a little more angst. Asian Kung-Fu Generation is here to provide an answer. The most rock-orientated band to make the list so far, Asian Kung-Fu Generation gained popularity among U.S. anime circles after their song "Rewrite" was used in the opening of the popular anime Full Metal Alchemist. Not only does "Rewrite" gain distinction for being the edgiest song on the list, but it also the most easy to name drop amongst your coffee shop dwelling friends.5. Melissa - ポルノグラフィティMany Japanese bands proudly posses strange names, but none that I have seen can compare to the sheer oddball-ness of Porno Graffitti. These J-rockers claim to have been inspired by the Extreme album Pornograffitti during the naming process, but what does this matter in the end? It doesn't change the fact that their "Melissa", another Full Metal Alchemist opening, is a fun song with a even more delightful (and bizarre video). Enjoy.